Abdominal ultrasonographic Manifestation of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the ultrasonographic features and assess the diagnosticvalue of sonography in the evaluation of children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura. MATERIALS AND METHODS: BetweenOctober 1993, and Febuary 1998, 67 children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura underwent abdominal ultrasonography,which in 13 was used for follow up. Bowel wall thickness and location, pattern of color Doppler signal in thethickened bowel wall, the size and location of enlarged mesenteric lymph node and the presence of ascites wereevaluated. RESULTS: In 42 cases(63%), sonographic findings were positive, and indicated mesentericlymphadenopathy(n=21), small bowel wall thickening(n=20), and ascites(n=17). Thickened bowels were demonstrated atthe ileum in 11 cases, the jejunum in five, the duodenum in one, and combined wall thickening at the duodenum andjejunum in two ; thickening of the duodenum and ileum was seen in one case. Thickness varied from 3 to 10mm(mean6.5 mm). On follow-up sonography, regression of bowel wall thickening was observed earlier than that of mesentericlymphadenopathy or ascites, and correlated well with improved abdominal symptoms. CONCLUSION: Abdominalultrasonographic manifestations of Henoch-Schonlein purpura were bowel wall thickening, mesenteric lymphadenopathyand ascites. Sonography was a simple and useful method for the evaluation of gastrointestinal manifestation ofHenoch-Schonlein purpura.